The Monster Collection of Moleskine Tips, Tricks and Hacks
SkellieFreelancers are more likely than most people to love Moleskine notebooks. We need to keep and manage our own schedules and to-dos. We’re creative, so we need a place to store and expand ideas. We need to take notes at meetings with clients–or at least look like we are. We need to appear productive and busy in coffee-shops–even when we aren’t.
Moleskine notebooks rank alongside the MacBook Pro, money and caffiene on our fictional list of ‘Most Beloved Freelancing Tools’. It’s a shame, then, that many Moleskine owners don’t realize the full potential of their little black book… much like many brain-owners don’t realize the full potential of their squishy salmon-colored companion.
Don’t be one of those people!
Inside this post you’ll find a goldmine of mini-hacks, recommendations, visual modifications, organizational systems, uncommon uses and creative tomfoolery, all for your Moleskine(s)!
It’s never too late to change
If you’ve thus far resisted the allure of the Moleskine, remember this: it’s never too late to sell-out/stop being lazy. Here’s how you can fit a Moleskine into your freelance-life.
Web Designers/Developers and Code-ninjas. I recommend the Large Squared Notebook for your needs: it’s lined vertically and horizontally, which is perfect for sketching layouts and measurements, or lines of code that need to be visually organized.
Graphic Designers and Illustrators. I recommend the Large Plain Notebook or Large Sketchbook for your needs: each page is plain, making it perfect for rough sketches and visual ideas.
Writers. Many writers prefer the Large Ruled Notebook to keep their words neat and in order, but I prefer the freedom of a Large Plain Notebook. It allows me to mind-map and set up each page according to my whims.
Consultants. I’d suggest the Large Squared Notebook for its flexibility. You can use the horizontal lines for writing and the vertical lines for when you need to create a schedule or mark appointments.
Everyone else. If you only want to write in paragraphs, get a Large Ruled Notebook. If you want a combination of order and flexibility (but less simplicity) get a Large Squared Notebook. If you want maximum freedom (and don’t mind a bit of disorder) get a Large Plain Notebook, or a Large Sketchbook if you intend to be drawing more often than writing.
Notebook, pen and iPod = simple pleasures.
Putting pen to paper
The most basic function of a Moleskine notebook is to provide a surface for writing, doodling and drawing. But how, exactly, should you do this? Ask any die-hard Moleskine fan and they’ll tell you that some ways are better than others.
The unofficial Moleskine pen of choice is the Pilot G-2, combining both thrift and accuracy. You’ll see it recommended everywhere. If you’re like me and dislike gel pens, consider turning the class (and the expense) up a notch and using your Moleskine in tandem with a fountain pen. Of course, some fountain pens work better than others when it comes to Moleskine paper. Here’s a list of the best for our needs. Personally, I ignore the advice and use an Artline Fineliner Pen. Go with whatever floats your boat!
The Pilot G2 Gel Pen is highly recommended by Moleskine lovers and retails for just a couple of dollars.
The Omas Paragon: a Moleskine-friendly fountain pen.
Getting organized
A Moleskine notebook can be a creative outlet or an organization tool–or both. Of course, you don’t need a daily or weekly diary to use your Moleskine to stay organized, sane, and on top of your work.
Turn your Moleskine into a customized GTD™ system. If Dave Allen makes you blush this option might be for you. You could design your own system or build on the good work of others. Luckily for you, there are plenty of well-documented GTD conversions out there and all of them have one thing in common: sticky tabs!
Others who have come before you:
Czar’s Pocket-sized Moleskine GTD System. Relatively simple, particularly when compared to the GTD philosophy as a whole. All you need are sticky tabs, a ruler and a pen.
Gaz’s Moleskine Diary System. I have enough trouble keeping the tumbleweed blowing around my Gmail inbox, so I’d hesitate to add another inbox to my Moleskine. However, GTD fans may relish the opportunity!
gtdfrk’s Pocket Moleskine GTD Infobook System. Makes use of fancy cut-outs and labels instead of sticky notes.
A typical Moleskine GTD system. Sticky-notes are the secret ingredient.
Jeremy’s Multi-tab GTD System. Like every other GTD system, except with more tabs. Useful if you find the five-tab GTD standard too limiting.
GTD Moleskine System for Students. C. Daniel Wess shares his Moleskine system, custom-designed for the needs of the student. If you’re freelancing between classes, this system might be for you.
Hyalineskies’ GTD Moleskine. Very well documented construction process with photos. One of the more popular GTD Moleskine mods.
Shahine’s GTD Moleskine System. Designed to easily integrate with GTD technology.
Turn your Moleskine into a PDA. I tried using a real PDA for a while but I found it to be kind of like a really expensive notebook that took ages to write in. Others seem to agree:
Kathy Sierra’s Notebook PDA. Though no longer blogging, Kathy was a very busy person at the time she outlined this system (and I hope she still is!).
PigPog PDA. Perhaps the most well-known and widely used Moleskine to GTD PDA system.
Create your own system. GTD makes you go cross-eyed? I can relate. Match your individualized work routine with an individualized scheduling system. The following examples may provide the inspiration you need:
Bill Westerman’s Square Moleskine Schedule. Mmm… neat and efficient looking. Go have a look: the Flickr notes are not to be missed.
Mike Rohde’s Custom Moleskine Planner. Mike’s adaptation of the Bill Westerman system above. Bill has neater writing, though!
AK’s Diary/Calendar Hack. Uses a square-ruled Moleskine to add a monthly calendar and schedule system.
Keep track of billable hours. Gaz has shared a simple hack on how to use a Moleskine daily planner to keep track of billable hours done in any given day. The same hack would work with any daily planner.
Manage multiple Moleskines with spine icons. If your notebooks all look the same on the outside but serve different purposes inside, add a marking to the spine to quickly communicate which is which. A silver permanent marker works well for this.
Take proper notes. How do you turn your client’s words into notes that you can extract meaning from later? It’s a task many freelancers struggle with, but the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers has some tips for you.
Make your notes easy to find. Leslie S. Russel has produced a succint write-up of how he indexes and links together notes in his Moleskine. See the below images and quote:
Mentally divide your Moleskine page-spread into quarters for easy referencing.
This system references page numbers and quadrants to connect your notes.
As has been suggested on other sites (i.e. 43Folders.com and MikeShea.net) you can use a sort of meta data system for linking bits of information in your Moleskine. The Moleskine markup language is easy to learn; it consists of two directional indicators (← means continued from, while → means continued on), the page number, and the quadrant. In the example above the note is continued on page twenty-four, quadrant C, and it was continued from page eighteen, quadrant B.
If you looked through your Moleskine as you read this you will notice that by numbering the pages in pairs you will be left with two pages—first page in the book, and last page—which have no corresponding facing page. Here comes another mini-hack: don’t waste these pages, use them as a table of contents, a sort of home page if you will, to link together the major chunks of information using the same Moleskine mark-up that is used to link the pages. [Source]
Add-ons and mini-hacks
Solving the pen problem. A Moleskine without a writing implement is a shadow of its full potential. You can ensure Moleskine and pen/pencil are never separated again with these simple hacks: use a ribbon, duct tape, more duct tape, binder clips or nothing but the pen itself.
Make your Moleskine returnable. Imagine losing your Moleskine. Not nice, right? Though you might have contact details in the front, unfortunately, much of the world’s population will not act for the benefit of a stranger unless there’s something in it for them, or if it’s really important. Add your mailing address and the promise of a reward to the front page of your Moleskine.
Replace your wallet. Take out the contents and transfer them into a pocket Moleskine. Here’s how.
For writers only. You can print out this Moleskine-sized .PDF sheet of writing tips and attach it to your notebook. Take the wisdom of Strunk and White with you wherever you go.
For typographers and typography lovers. Add this writing template to your Moleskine and create page layouts that will please your medieval ancestors and typography-loving friends.
For artists. Here’s how your colleagues are making their Moleskines beautiful. Get inspired!
A Moleskine makes an excellent sketchbook… artistic skills not included. (Drawing by Braga)
For artists who want more. If you like everything about Moleskine notebooks but would prefer to use your favorite sketching paper instead, here’s a how-to guide on combining both.
For sketchers. Russel Stutler is a Moleskine-sketching expert. Read his recommendations on how to create great sketches in your Moleskine.
For geeks. Here’s how to make a Moleskine enclosure for a thin external hard drive.
For people who need to storyboard. Despite my suspicions that people with the need to story-board are an elite, ultra-hip and small bunch, a Moleskine can still meet your needs. Here’s how to turn a Large Moleskine Sketchbook into a storyboard notebook.
Analog and digital: a match made in heaven
While some use their Moleskine as a rejection of the digital productivity and organization movement, others are excited by the opportunity to merge their Moleskines with the digital world.
iPod + Moleskine combos. This hack combines an iPod and two pocket Moleskines into one super-beast.
iPhone + Moleskine combos. I don’t see the practical use in this, but hey… it’s an iPhone in a Moleskine!
A laser engraved Moleskine.
Pure eyecandy
Moleskine notebooks are already attractive, but less is not always more. Your Moleskine could look even better.
Buy one that’s laser engraved. Modofly has some really arty and affordable options with covers featuring trains, machinery, trees, L.O.V.E. and… Clint Eastwood!
Get it laser engraved with your own design. Want to put your own artwork or picture on the front of your Moleskine? It can be done, for a price.
Make a DIY Moleskine cover. Looks really neat, but some skill with fabric is needed (of which I have none).
You may end up going through quite a few.
5 Creative Uses for Your Moleskine
While a Moleskine’s merits as a diary, planner and schedule are obvious, here are some other ways a Moleskine might be beneficial for your freelance career.
- Business planning. Where do you want your freelance business to be a year from now? What are your most important business aims? A Moleskine could be a good place to record your plans, ideas and aspirations.
- Mind-mapping. Nothing beats pen and paper for expanding ideas and linking them together.
- Recording ideas. Creative-types like us thrive on ideas, whether it’s for a particular code function or a striking logo design. Ideas are a precious resource, so it’s important to record every idea you have before it’s forgotten.
- Life planning. Thinking about the future and reflecting on the past is an important part of living life consciously. A Moleskine can be an ideal place to write about where you want to go and who you want to be.
- Travel diary. Freelancing on the road is often a memorable experience, and a travel journal can help you make sense of working and living abroad.
Freelancers: how do you use your Moleskine?
Enjoyed the post? Vote for it on Digg!
Cal
July 9th, 2008
Cool post. Full of tips and ideas. It should help a lot of people. However…Moleskins are just a fashion statement within freelancing that is so 1990. A PDA saves time in the long run and can be transfered directly to your computer and placed in sync with your ‘real’ work in seconds. It also backs up everything and over the years all your files can be found in moments, whereas those who choose paper over productivity will end up with storage issues and complex problems when it comes to archiving.
I used paper notebooks throughout my college and uni life and for years after doing that thing called ‘work’ when I noticed I was wasting more time with my notebook than actually doing work. The switch from notebook to PDA saved a lot of time and actually freed up tons of time. PDA voice recorder and stylus notation beats the notebook 9/10 for general use.
Paper = bad
Technology = good
To cut down on ‘procrastination’ doodling, switch to PDA and incorporate a lightweight alternative into your ‘travel kit’. Freelancers waste so much time if you give them a pen and a notebook it’s unreal. But if you remove this distraction, coz that’s all it really is, you can get more done. Limiting notes to voice and stylus works like a charm and it works that you only note the things that are truly important to you. If you insist on ‘drawings’ like I do from time to time, but need to reduce how much time you waste - download the free lightweight version of the moleskine from pocketmod.com and you can have the best of both worlds. It can sit nicely inside your PDA slipcase or in your pocket. The less paper you have the more productive you will be.
It all boils down to a matter of choice though.
Björgvin Benediktsson
July 9th, 2008
Nice post. I´m thinking about upgrading my smallish moleskine notebooks into those standardized types as I will be needing some kind of thought-gatherer with me at all times. Notetaking and layouting for websites and blog articles and such. As I am a mind-map convert I will be filling them up with interesting little mind-maps or my quirky purposed.
Thanks from Iceland.
Tyler Ingram
July 9th, 2008
Oh I should look at getting one. When I am at work (yes I work at a company and do some freelancing) I tend to jot down notes on loose pieces of paper which get lost or spilt on daily. Perhaps a Moleskine will help me! Who wants to send me one? lol
Ryan
July 9th, 2008
As we designer/developer, I personally prefer the Action Book and Dot Grid Book from Behance. You get the benefit of a grid but it’s much less intrusive. In fact, once you draw on it, it basically disappears.
Zendad
July 9th, 2008
I have tried a paper based method and a PDA style method and I like both for different reasons. The PDA is handy because yes, you can backup and sync to your pc. I like the paper version because its a pain in the rear end to jot a number down QUICKLY with the PDA. I would like to get my hands on one of them moleskine style books though to give that style a try.
Good post, thanks for the tips!
Zendad
http://www.zendad.net
Alex
July 9th, 2008
While I don’t have a Molesikne, I’ve carried an 8.5″ x 11″ notebook around for a long time. I keep notes related to whatever projects I’m working on, or work out math problems for complex animations, screen layout (I’m a Flash Developer) and various equations/algorithms I need to use.
I also use my notebooks as mouse pads. Seems to make things easier for me. I always know where my notes are, and I don’t run the risk of putting the notebook in a weird spot, or having it get lost in a stack of paperwork somewhere.
I find it to be more productive to take notes on paper, and then transfer them to the computer as needed. 70% of what I write down are just notes, not something I need, so I don’t see the point in fiddling with a PDA trying to jot stuff down. It’s faster for me to scribble it down then type it up if I have to.
PiercedLogic
July 9th, 2008
Thanks for a great post! It was a joy reading it and now I have so many resources (just made tons of bookmarks on diigo!) and inspirations that I can hardly wait to try some of those things on my own moleskin’s.
Being an illustrator and designer these notebooks make it such a pleasure to draw and write down notes. The smoothness of the paper makes my pencil glide and my markers and paints don’t bleed through. I don’t agree that it’s a “1990″ thing at all, moleskine’s are very much an “in” thing right now. You can get them at tons of places and every year their planners sell out. And just look at the vast amounts of sites catering to them. I thought I had found a lot of sites before, but with this list, it’s just doubled.
While I am a huge computer geek and a digital artist, I love writing my notes down on paper. I know some people may prefer a digital output, but for me, there is just something great about looking at things in your own hand. And the fact that I can put my schedule with my sketchbook means I only need to carry one book, its a perfect solution. I don’t leave home without one.
Thanks again for the excellent post. This one was a very nice surprise to find when I stopped in for my daily FSw fix.
Anthony
July 9th, 2008
Great post! thanks for the tips
Michelle
July 9th, 2008
I was SERIOUSLY doing a Google search for Moleskine notebooks when I saw this post. I’m a PDA girl but want to start mindmapping. Does anyone recommend a pocket Moleskine notebook for this purpose?
Martha Retallick
July 9th, 2008
Pardon my ignorance, but how do you pronounce “Moleskine”?
Skellie
July 9th, 2008
@ Cal: It’s all about personal preference. I’ve used a PDA and found it really ineffecient–notebooks suit me much better. I think the only thing that can be said for sure is to experiment: be open-minded and try everything once!
@ Martha: I believe it’s “Mole-skeen”, preferably with an Italian accent.
Alex the Freelance Twin
July 9th, 2008
Great post! When I need to do some writing I usually just use a regular notebook. For important info I keep excel spreadsheets and word documents backed up online to Google Docs, so if my laptop crashes I won’t lose that information.
A regular notebook as gotten the job done for me for the most part, but I’m going to really read your post and see if I might benefit from doing it differently.
Allan
July 9th, 2008
Loved the post. I’ve used Moleskine for years mainly as a journal, but also a creative outlet. This just inspired me to become more intentional with my use of my Moleskine. Personally, I love everything digital, so I would think that I would be attracted to a PDA instead of ‘traditional’ paper methods. But to be honest, there is just something about having my hand with a pen on a piece of paper to release the creative flow. Plus, you don’t have to worry about ever running out of batteries for a Moleskine…just ink.
PiercedLogic
July 9th, 2008
It is pronounced : mol-a-skeen’-a
That’s right off the Moleskine US website. http://www.moleskineus.com/moleskine-about.html
Hmmmm
July 9th, 2008
Am I honestly missing something here? Is the product, a notebook, really so much better than a $.99 notebook of the same size that it costs $15?
Skellie
July 9th, 2008
@ PiercedLogic: In other words, with a suave Italian accent ;).
PiercedLogic
July 9th, 2008
haha yep!
gaston monescu
July 9th, 2008
the hardest thing for me is just keeping it in my pocket and remembering to use it.
i find the unlined pages to be better for ideas… the lines kind of ruin my thinking.
Renee
July 9th, 2008
I loved this article. I just went out and bought a moleskine yesterday (the graphed) for sketches and ideas.
Ali Sabet
July 9th, 2008
Hey I love this post!! We are giving away a customized laser engraved moleskine every month on sabet.tv! this is a competition powered by the folks at etchstar.com
Thanks for sharing this one, I love it!
Moleskine, the new analog gadget!
redwall_hp
July 9th, 2008
I don’t have a Moleskine notebook, but the Pilot G2 pens are great. I stumbled across a pack at Staples once, and now I can’t stand any other pen.
mave
July 9th, 2008
I agree - the Moleskine is just another fashion fad. Great, useful notebooks have been around for ages and in a broad variety of styles and structures (and still are!). Much like Starbucks coffee, ipods and Mac laptops, Moleskines are part of the uniform of the supposedly unique, creative, independent thinker of today. Although, with so many people using them I suppose an article like this is bound to be popular and useful to some.
I can’t help but feel, though, that in times like these, with the environmental issues the planet is facing, the indiscriminate use of paper should be going out of fashion, as should disposable cups and gadgets that take planned obsolescence to a whole new level.
Robert
July 9th, 2008
@Michelle I Use mine specifically for mindmapping
John
July 9th, 2008
I recently switched to using Moleskines for my journaling. They are awesome. Just make sure you use the Sketchbook for writing if you like heavy-inked pens like I do, otherwise the ink will bleed through the pages. And the pocket in the back is great for keeping random scraps of paper.
Marty
July 9th, 2008
Wow, great article. I have my first Moleskine now. I take it everywhere and write every useful idea into Moleskine.
Joe Baron Design
July 9th, 2008
I definitely like this article and so appreciative to find out where to get the moleskin notebook customized. I was searching, but didn’t seem to find it. Thanks for those tips.
Eric J. Gruber
July 9th, 2008
I love the G2 pen with my Moleskine. A great pen at an affordable price.
mia
July 9th, 2008
I didn’t make it all the way through this article. Whats so difficult about using a notebook? Seriously? We all went to school (I hope) and as I recall, notes were mandatory.
Eric
July 9th, 2008
@Ryan hey I like that Dot Grid book.. may have to pick one up and give it a try
thx for posting
Michelle
July 9th, 2008
@Robert: Sweet. I ended up getting a Pocket Info Book, as I can relabel each section with a project that’s clouding my head (ie wedding planning, building a business, school, etc) and mind map away! Love it.
Kyle Racki
July 9th, 2008
“much like many brain-owners don’t realize the full potential of their squishy salmon-colored companion.” This made me laugh out loud in a cafe at the airport.
Good article, thanks.
Thomas
July 9th, 2008
Five-star notebooks for me. If a local office supply store carries these, then I’ll take a look. But I sure won’t pay shipping and handling for a notebook. A good Five-Star looks very professional when meeting with clients (or on the job, now that I’m employed) as well. These don’t have a very professional look, if that’s of any significance.
Oh, and blue Bic cristal pens (the clear hard plastic ones) are the best :^) I’m a creature of habit.
Tuan Nguyen
July 9th, 2008
I just started a project involving Moleskine sketchbooks exchanged with visual artists. Will see how that turns out. The small pocket book is good for travel size, while the larger book offer more space to expand ideas of a project, with room for text and sketches. Recently discovered this brand last few weeks, now I see it on here it is a wide spread inspiration.
Joel Falconer
July 9th, 2008
Great post, Skellie. As much as I’m a greenie I do use paper for my task lists (of course I’m the only guy on the Lifehack team who does this). I recently learned the downside of this, though—your two and a half year old may just eat the damn thing.
I don’t have a moleskine, just a large, lined spiral notebook, but useful article all the same.
Dennis Murray
July 10th, 2008
I’ve gone with a Maruman Mnemosyne…similar product, 4×6 sized but spiral bound. Found it at my local Sam Flax store in Metro ATL.
I prefer the spiral to stitched (sits open by itself) and easier for me to write on.
As far as versus PDA’s…I use mine in a variety of ways, sometimes pulling out the page to give to someone, sometimes doing storyboards for photoshoots, lighting diagrams, and so on - so it’s not all text notes. Easier to write on while in traffic as well.
And I’m a Pilot G-2 junkie, without knowing the official status of the pen!
Pristine
July 10th, 2008
I have a mortal fear of losing my personal planner. The reward idea sounds great, but how much of a reward do you reckon is sufficient?
Jaime Mintun
July 10th, 2008
I love this article. And I LOVE my moleskin. I just bought it a month ago for putting my musings to paper while traveling through the Mayan Riviera.
I know some prefer technology to good ol’ fashioned paper - I used to be that person. But there’s something about having a tangible page and I believe there’s something powerful about the act of writing something down. I find my to do lists that I write on my computer don’t get done nearly as quickly or completely as the ones I write on a physical piece of paper.
And wow - I never knew about all the different types of moleskins and their uses. Really informational. And I love the laser engraved ones. I’m getting myself a couple of those right this minute!
Thanks Skellie!
Me
July 10th, 2008
Personally, I like taking notes on paper — it feels very “real” to me. Someone, explain these “hacks” to me though. Why not buy a day planner? Why spend hours building these thing when you can buy the same tools pre-made?
eggybaby
July 10th, 2008
Be original; get a $.99 spiral bound, notebook from Walmart.
Alex Stubbs
July 10th, 2008
This is by far my favorite post you’ve guys put together yet!
Mary@GoodlifeZen
July 10th, 2008
Skellie, you’ve touched my weakest spot: I’m a sucker when it comes to nice notebooks and pens!
I’ve been writing a succession of “Everything Books” for the past 15 year. I use them for mindmaps, goal setting, post ideas, cooking recipes, doodles, addresses, brilliant ideas, daft plans, affirmations, and…well, just about for everything.
I’m just about to purchase moleskine notebook online now. I just CAN’T RESIST
Miktator
July 10th, 2008
Juhu, in Switzerland they are that expensive that I even started looking on ebay for cheap Moleskine notebooks. Used them when I was travelling through Africa. The PERFECT travelnotebook. It was the only thing I would have cried for if I had been robbed.
Niki Brown
July 10th, 2008
ha - mave is right - moleskines are just a bunch of designers clinging to a brand. Although I do have to say that the are great notebooks. I used to have one but have been using up my other notebooks for jotting down random ideas.
I do think that unless you need paper to sketch or flesh out an idea a PDA would be more environmentally friendly.
Lets not kill trees people! (this is why i make websites)
Gonzalo
July 10th, 2008
Great
Ups, crash the link “Large Plain Notebook”.
Andrew Randazzo
July 10th, 2008
This is great! I’m getting my first Moleskine this week. I’ll probably have to read through this again to digest it all, and figure out how I’m going to use my new Moleskine. The one thing that stood out to me was using it to replace your wallet. Though I don’t think I’ll use my Moleskine in place of my wallet, I’m thinking about just getting a money clip so my back pocket won’t be bulging.
Patrick
July 10th, 2008
Ahhh consumerism at it’s best. One person says to jump and everyone buys in. Personally I think moleskine are over priced garbage. When I first went out to look at them I wanted a small notebook that would fit my sketches and concept website/logo ideas without carrying a huge artist notebook. It seemed prefect, until I went to hobbie lobby and found something almost the same for half the price and the same quality of paper and hard cover.
@Nikki @Mave Lets start our own Notebook and call it Treeskine we could use recycled paper.
FYI. I am not big environmentalist but I think too much is wasted all over the world and no one seems to be looking for better ideas.
Skellie
July 10th, 2008
I think saying “Why not get a .99c notebook?” is kind of like saying “Why not buy a $4 bottle of wine?” A Moleskine is a nicer, better quality, more enjoyable object. I’m happy to pay a little extra for the thing that’s going to be holding some of my best ideas, bravest aspirations and craziest dreams!
Kallie Erasmus
July 10th, 2008
Hi!
Not sure whether you’ve ever had a post from Prince Albert the wannabe Crazy Wisdom capital of the world at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains in the Karoo region of South Africa.
Even here, life without a Moleskin Diary, Journal or Notebook would be a little like surfing in the swimming pool.
I sometimes get conflicted about recruiting Moleskin converts. What happens if there are more people that want them than available Moleskins?
Insist on joy in spite of everything!
Speedmaster
July 10th, 2008
Classic post, thanks!!!
Mike McD
July 10th, 2008
“Ahhh consumerism at it’s best…”
@ Patrick: So there’s nothing at all in your home that paid a little more for because of perceived added value of a brand name? Never paid a little more for a shirt because it was a good brand, even though you can get plenty of shirts at Walmart for a few bucks? You never bought a nicer car just because you liked it better, even though a used VW gets you from A to B just the same? Ever been to Starbucks?
Geez. All this hating on a damn notebook, while I’m sure EVERYONE reading this is guilty of indulging in a little unnecessary spending from time to time. Let people have their notebooks if that’s what makes them happy. They’re not bashing you for whatever purchases you have made that others might think foolish.
rogers
July 10th, 2008
I couldn’t Find a Moleskine, so I brought a similar
I will get one original when I succeed in Freelancing 
Cheers!
Shockboogiedesign
July 10th, 2008
Great article!
I always wanted to have a moleskin notebook for my “random design notes and code” but I can’t seem to justify it since I tend to record my ideas on my iPhone or my mac pro workstation which I happen to always have access to (both at home and at my day job office). And when I do draw something up, I end up using scratch paper or coffee shop napkins instead. I tried bringing a notebook around but never really used it for some odd reason. I ended up using the notebook as a “folder” for the napkins I scribble on.
RealityGrenade
July 10th, 2008
MICHELLE
Mindmapping is great in a Large Plain Reporter turned on it’s side (landscape-style); or a Large Squared Reporter, which tends to allow you to ’snap’ your mindmap bubbles to a regular spacing.
Mindmaps (for me at least) have a tendency to spread o u t w a r d s more than upwards. If you are more of an upANDout kinda mapper then go for Large Plain/Squared in the traditional format.
Have fun
RealityGrenade
Jayden Lawson
July 10th, 2008
I’ll second the Pilot G-2 pen…. I use the 07 model. Great choice…
Mik
July 11th, 2008
Cool ideas and I like the idea of using my Moleskine as a wallet, pity the link doesn’t work.
Lani Teshima
July 11th, 2008
Great compilation of tips! Having a table of contents at the top (or side bar) would help a lot since your list is so long, but it’s wonderful having all of the information collated to one page.
I *do* have to little nits I’d like to pick:
- Your recommended notebooks are all LARGE format. What’s up with that? A lot of people are completely enamored with the small format because they are small enough to carry in one’s purse or pocket. That even the small notebooks hold up well is a hallmark of Moleskine, and except for my calendar book (in large size), all the rest of my Moleskines are small. Pssst: There’s a reason all of the city notebooks are small — portability!
- You mention the Pilot G2, then pooh pooh it by telling people you prefer the Artline pen without explaining why you don’t like gel pens. The thing is, the Pilot G2 medium point (.7 mm) is too broad and I’m not a big fan of it, either; but the .5mm fine point? It seems like it was MADE to write on a Moleskine. And for folks with a really light touch, the Pilot G2 .38mm is even finer. Neither the .5 nor the .38 feel like your typical too-smooth gel pen ink, and I’d recommend both wholeheartedly.
Thanks again for your post!
Sci
July 11th, 2008
I mean come on its a NOTEPAD! PAPER! Who cares how it comes. I am absolutely positive that people have better things to spend there hard earned dough on than the worlds most overpriced notepad!
I bought a ten pack of grided note pads for $4.99 - the quality is arguably better and you could back it in suede, leather or even gold leaf and still come in cheaper!
reuber
July 11th, 2008
Who sells these things in bricks & mortars? I’d like to actually see/feel one to get an idea of what I’m plunking down $15 for. And those etched ones with the designs on them are droolworthy.
Laurent
July 11th, 2008
Thanks for the interesting tips. I have been an addicted user of Moleskins since years now both at work and at home.
I like the GTD stuff… I’ll be using some of the hacks.
And I need to get one of these need covers!
Rod
July 11th, 2008
Just got my first Moleskine in the mail. Upon unwrapping it, there was this very cool and delicious smell from the binder/paper… It was almost as good as opening up you Mac packaging the first time… I know - sounds corny - but it brightened my day
hey reuber - I have no idea if they’re available in stores, but the large lined format… is very very nice
- worth the $15…
oh - and quick! I got mine in 2 days even with the basic shipping.
my 2 cents
Jaden @ Screenwriting for Hollywood
July 11th, 2008
Laughing. This is such a good post! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like I am part of some secret group.
“Moleskine notebooks rank alongside the MacBook Pro, money and caffiene”
Guilty, guilty, guilty.
As a writer, I love the small grid paper notebook.
I just bought the NEW SOFT COVER, grid paper, small notebook, made to fit in your jeans pocket. 10 pages writing into it, the binding has already fallen apart! Won’t get that one again. Stick to the hard covers!
“If you’re like me and dislike gel pens”
Yes, I hate them. Reckless as I am, I stick with ballpoint pens always, so that if it gets wet, the words stay! Watery pens wash away. A writer can’t risk this. Pencil wipes off too easily.
I too use sticky tabs.
This was a joy! Great links.
Christopher Perilli
July 11th, 2008
We use the Action Book designed by Behance.net. Its a great method and a simplified way of keeping even the most daunting of schedules in tact.
cloudboy
July 12th, 2008
In the interest of time management, this post (and many others on FS) should be condensed. It seems like you tried to fit in anything Moleskine-related you could find by the end. Everybody works differently and thus more than one solution should be presented, but it doesn’t seem like you did your research to bring us the best.
They’re great notebooks. Try one if you can afford it. Now get back to creating!
John Lampard
July 12th, 2008
Size definitely matters when it comes to notebooks… too small and there’s not enough space to note down everything you need to record. Too big and the book becomes a hassle to cart around and open out on all those small cafe tables. I’ve found a book I like to use that’s about A5 size with a spiral spine, a great compromise as far as I am concerned. One thing is for sure when it comes to notebooks … one size does not fit all
mandingo
July 13th, 2008
PDAs may save some trees but theyre inevitably headed for obsolescence and the landfill with all that precious nature-saving plastic and LCD and battery goodness inside. While the indiscriminate use and disposal of notebooks may be tied to tree cutting (tho most paper pulp is from farmed trees and the bigger environmental threat they pose is from the bleaching agents) Moleskines are usually kept and treasured.
Action
July 13th, 2008
I’ve used a version of these for years and love them. I get mine at either Barnes and Noble or Borders - soft cover, three pack for $15.
I like using them because they always work and all look the same and over time they’ve become ‘comfortable’. I keep them as almost like a journal. I don’t just put work stuff in them. The other day I found a poem and some sketches my daughter had done when she was 5 years old. Those are priceless.
raj dash
July 14th, 2008
What a fantastic post about something I love - notebooks/ sketchbooks/ paper. I never understand people who put down paper. As a long-time user of both technology and paper, paper always beats tech when it comes to creativity and often even productivity. Writing by hand stimulates ideas and creativity, and even eases stress.
scott
July 14th, 2008
Some people have already covered my thoughts. There is one new and some seconds.
1) love the pilot g2 pen. I like 0.5, but they are a little more difficult to buy in bulk at stores, so I often get the 0.7. gell ink can be a pain, but the pilot g2 0.5 is nice!
2) I’m also a huge fan of the small notebooks. I’m surprised you recommend all large sizes. The book is in my laptop briefcase almost all the time, but many times, I just want to throw it in my pocket and go.
3) I’ve tried, pda’s, I’ve tried inexpensive notebooks, there is a reason I keep going back to moleskine, and it just works for me. I think part of it is that you pay money for it, so you feel like you need to use it. where the cheapies, well, they just don’t live up to it in my hands. psychological, I’m sure, but it works for me. Secondly, I haven’t found an internet/pda devide that is usable enough. I’m going to try the iphone and see how that works. — Finally regarding this issue. I think for ideas and journaling, there is something to be said for just writing. — As for being a fad, I’ve been using moleskine for at least 6 years maybe longer (I have to look at my first entry in in my first moleskine). I wouldn’t call it a fad, but maybe you would.
some wishes from moleskine, I wish they’d number the pages, and I really do like the dotgrid from behance, but haven’t bought one yet. We’ll see.
great post, thanks.
Discordian
July 14th, 2008
I agree that moleskines are a fad (I bind my own notebooks, thanks). But people who complain about using paper for environmental reasons?! How much natural resources do you think are required to make a PDA? I would doubt that PDA lives long enough with ordinary PDA users for it ever to break even with paper&ink use. Guess which recycles better as well. Don’t even get me started on what it takes to make a laptop.
People who buy this expensive notebooks are not going to throw them away daily, or even monthly.
And the price? Getting expensive notebook like this does not make you financially unstable. It is about price of one dinner. Not a disaster when there are dozen other things that you could easily be doubly more economical with.
Bugsy
July 14th, 2008
This is brilliant. What more can one say.
Mik
July 16th, 2008
Inspirational and I used several ideas to hack my Moleskine, in fact I did one as a GTD/wallet combo and another has compartments for some gadget, dang what a geek!
MichaelG
July 17th, 2008
This article is a great find. The best I’ve come across yet for a comprehensive Moleskin Hack source. Very nicely done. I’ll be busy for a while here. Thanks.
I think Mave has it wrong on the Mac.
Eric
July 23rd, 2008
I work for a web hosting company as a systems administrator. My co-workers and I are all geeks. I’m the only one who has no iphone, no pda, no ipod, no spiffy portable electronic device that is somewhat near the cutting edge. My cellphone is an old nokia from back in The Day (that was a Wednesday, by the way), and danged if I don’t have a USB pen drive to store my MP3s on (how do I listen to them? I have a computer for that).
I’m never without my moleskine, though… and while everyone else is penning things into their PDA, or typing it into their iphone, I’ve grabbed, opened, jotted, closed, and slid back in pocket, before they’ve even opened the right app.
Moleskine? Thou art geekery.
Ashley Morgan
July 23rd, 2008
There’s even a Moleskine inspired Wordpress theme for anyone who wants a Moleskine-esque blog
http://www.upstartblogger.com/upstart-blogger-moleskine-wordpress-theme
Barry
July 25th, 2008
Overall pretty good,however with all the Apple Pimping going on I cant help but know the Author is no doubt wearing their trendy little horn rimmed eyeglasses and sipping on their Starbucks,smugly palming their keys to their tiresomely predictable SUV while chatting on their iphone.Oh, please excuse.. I threw up in my mouth a little..
Max
July 31st, 2008
That’s *caffeine* dammit!!
MichaelG
July 31st, 2008
Barry, you seem to have a little Mac stereotype issue going on. I’m about as far away from the picture you paint as it gets. It is possible to enjoy a product line and not buy into a whole set of related behaviors. And as it appears you’re working at being clever, you might move along from the whole “I threw up in my mouth a bit”. That one’s pretty tired. But then again I guess that’s just my view as an apple zombie and therefore wouldn’t be of much use to you.
Rick
July 31st, 2008
I never go ANYWHERE without my Moleskine. Thanks for the intriguing and whimsical blog.
MichaelG
August 1st, 2008
I have Moleskines stashed in the two bags I use and in all the coats I commonly wear. I have a couple Fisher space pens too. Those things are so small they are easily lost. The Moleskine’s aren’t the primary way I capture ideas on the hoof. I use my iphone and an levenger pocket briefcase that is a little pocket organizer, writing surface and pen for 3 X 5 cards for that. But I love having the back up, knowing that it’s very unlikely I’ll end up somewhere were I don’t have somewhere I can jot stuff down. Incidentally I just had an article published over at GTDtimes on how writing things down can expand your cognitive capacities in two different ways. I think freelancers and Moleskiner’s might appreciate the ideas there:
http://www.gtdtimes.com/2008/07/31/ancient-cheating-and-a-modern-twist/
Rob
August 4th, 2008
I don’t own a Moleskine notebook (yet), but I won’t go anywhere without a Pilot G2 pen
jennsuzhoy
August 5th, 2008
I’m sorry, but I have to agree with those that are just not “getting” the deal with a Moleskin. Does it sync up to your laptop? Does it play music for you? Does it rub your feet at the end of a long day?
It’s just paper bound between two covers.
@Skellie - comparing a notebook to a bottle of wine? Come on! For quick sketches and notes, paper is paper! Now, if you were creating a piece that could be/will be DIRECTLY transferred into the final work, I definitely agree you need to step it up a notch. But, by just carrying a name brand notebook to make clients think you successful…really? To each his own, but I find it much greener/faster/easier to keep a stack of perfectly good “waste paper” (paper only printed or written on one side and is usually slated for the garbage) around for my quick notes and initial sketches.
Jake
August 19th, 2008
Moleskins are overpriced and the paper quality is so-so. I’d rather just get a Rhodia or Clairfontaine notebook; 1/3 the cost and much higher grade paper. I don’t really care if people know what notebooks I use, and I doubt that I’d be interested in meeting anyone who cared what notebooks I use.
Christopher Garlington
August 29th, 2008
I have no order whatsoever for my Moleskin. I write in them and try to keep them clean but I don’t mod. For me, the act of writing it down is enough. I often tear out pages that are ugly, but for the most part, I write everything down on whatever space is available, often using the same page for days, and just as often burning through five pages a day. When I’m done, I wrap a rubber band around it and stash it in my desk. The rubber band keeps me from picking up the burnt moleskin. I also use only the front sides of my vertical reporter’s notebook style moleskin until they’re all burnt, then I flip it and work through the other way. My Mont Blanc works perfectly well on the moleskin paper.